Diesel leak still under investigation; landowner satisfied

Citgo Products Pipeline Co. is continuing the cleanup process for a diesel leak in Victoria County reported Tuesday.

David Huber, the landowner of the affected property, said he trusts the company to clean up the leak.

"I'm not concerned about it because they will pay me for the damages when they get it cleaned up, and I'm sure the government agencies looking over it, they will have them clean it up well before they leave. . It did not get into any running water," Huber said.

The land on Morris Town Road, about 14 miles south of Victoria, was used as pastureland for cattle, Huber said. He has since moved the cattle to a secure location.

He does not believe any of the animals were hurt by the leak.

Huber credits the recent rainfall in the area - he recorded more than 20 inches of rain the last couple weeks - as why the diesel was not absorbed into the ground.

Andrea Morrow, spokeswoman for the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, said the agency is monitoring the cleanup. She said the crews are placing absorbent pads in the affected areas and are clearing brush on the property to better assess the damage.

She said initial reports indicate about 200 barrels leaked from the pipeline, but the leak is under investigation.

The incident occurred at 12:45 p.m. Monday, according to a report filed by the National Response Center, a federal database for reporting oil and chemical spills. No injuries were reported.